Toronto Maple Leafs associate coach Daniel Alfredsson is getting a temporary promotion against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.
On Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs will begin the NHL preseason with a pair of split-squad games against the Montreal Canadiens, which will run simultaneously. One game will take place in Toronto, the other in Montreal.
This creates a bit of a dilemma for the team and head coach Jim Hiller. After all, he cannot be in two places at once. According to Leafs reporter Lance Hornby, this means the Leafs need to name an alternate head coach for one of the games. As it turns out, Alfredsson is getting the call for the game in Montreal.
-
This is set to be Alfredsson's very first season as an associate coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he is already getting these kinds of large opportunities.
Daniel Alfredsson goes from enemy to friend
Perhaps the most ironic part about all of this is the fact that Daniel Alfredsson was an enemy of the state during his playing days.
As a member of the Ottawa Senators, he was not liked by Leafs fans who understood the kind of threat he posed every time he was on the ice.
Of course, Alfredsson remains one of the most respectable players in the history of the NHL, so it's not like he was the biggest pest to the franchise. Regardless, it does serve as a stark contrast of what fans are used to.
Alfredsson's role going forward
Alfredsson was brought in to be part of Jim Hiller's coaching staff, and provide some support when it comes to the power play, as well as the overall offensive schematics.
After last season's disaster under Craig Berube, this new blood could certainly do the Maple Leafs a whole lot of good. Especially with young guys like Gavin McKenna looking to find their footing.
Alfredsson has the experience to be taken seriously in the locker room, and we could see him being a huge part of this team's potential success.
Saturday serves as an opportunity for Alfredsson to show he is a natural leader behind that bench.
Do you believe Daniel Alfredsson is a game-changer for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs name starting goalie for preseason home opener